Manufacturing Engineer (Injection Molding)

At Schaefer Plastics, we are manufacturing industry-leading solutions and driving responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We excel in injection molding, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

***This position is not open to sponsorship.

Position Overview

Schaefer Plastics is seeking a hands-on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize our injection molding operations. This is a highly visible, floor-focused role for an engineer who enjoys being in the operation, solving real-time production challenges, and leading improvements that deliver measurable results.

The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to improve throughput, reduce downtime, optimize processes, and support a safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for someone who brings both technical expertise and a practical, action-oriented approach to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

--Daily Production Support & Optimization

• Monitor production performance on the floor and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and operator flow
• Evaluate manufacturing constraints and implement practical solutions to improve line performance
• Partner with Production to address bottlenecks and support day-to-day operational needs
• Recommend and improve plant layouts, workstation design, and material flow 

--Injection Molding Process Optimization

• Optimize injection molding processes to improve quality, cycle times, and machine performance
• Lead process development activities, parameter optimization, DOE trials, and validation efforts
• Develop and standardize robust, repeatable molding processes across similar equipment
• Support and train Process Technicians on optimized settings and best practices

--Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Lead troubleshooting efforts related to downtime, process instability, and recurring manufacturing issues
• Work closely with Maintenance and Production to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Provide hands-on technical support during equipment and process-related issues

--Continuous Improvement

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the operation
• Drive projects from concept through implementation, follow-up, and documentation
• Ensuring process improvements result in measurable gains in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency
• Maintain clear and organized documentation for trials, process changes, and project activity

--Material & Trial Management

• Lead raw material and recycled material trials, ensuring effective coordination and documentation
• Improve consistency of records related to trial results, approvals, and SDS documentation
• Support process and equipment improvements that maximize the use of recycled materials

--Capital Projects

• Assist with equipment evaluation, replacement planning, and capital project justification
• Develop equipment specifications and ROI-based recommendations
• Support approved projects through installation, commissioning, and start-up
• Gather and present data to support capital investment decisions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Injection molding experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting ability in a production setting
• Experience leading continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives
• Strong documentation, organizational, and project management skills
• Proficiency in Excel; SolidWorks experience preferred
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally

What We’re Looking For

• A floor-focused engineer who enjoys being in the operation, not behind a desk all day

• A proactive problem solver who can move ideas into action
• Someone who can bring structure, accountability, and follow-through to improvement efforts
• A collaborative partner who works well with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and leadership
• An engineer who understands how operational performance drives business results

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Schaefer Plastics does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
• Must be willing and able to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notice, as needed
• Ability to travel up to 10% for business purposes
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate

Why Join Schaefer Plastics

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on daily plant performance and long-term operational success. The Manufacturing Engineer will play an important role in improving efficiency, strengthening processes, supporting production teams, and helping drive measurable gains in throughput, quality, and cost performance.